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JP5718914B2 - Apparatus and method for managing liquid volume in a container - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for managing liquid volume in a container Download PDF

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JP5718914B2
JP5718914B2 JP2012519101A JP2012519101A JP5718914B2 JP 5718914 B2 JP5718914 B2 JP 5718914B2 JP 2012519101 A JP2012519101 A JP 2012519101A JP 2012519101 A JP2012519101 A JP 2012519101A JP 5718914 B2 JP5718914 B2 JP 5718914B2
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container
liquid
change
infrared light
predetermined period
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JP2012533061A (en
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ジャオ，イン
シェ，ジュン
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Koninklijke Philips NV
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Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G23/00—Other table equipment
    • A47G23/10—Devices for counting or marking the number of consumptions
    • A47G23/12—Consumption counters combined with table-ware or table-service
    • A47G23/16—Consumption counters combined with table-ware or table-service combined with drinking vessels or with lids therefor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/14—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of pressure
    • G01F23/18—Indicating, recording or alarm devices actuated electrically
    • G01F23/185—Indicating, recording or alarm devices actuated electrically for discrete levels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03006—Gas tanks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/14—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of pressure
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/14—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of pressure
    • G01F23/18—Indicating, recording or alarm devices actuated electrically
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
    • G01F23/284—Electromagnetic waves
    • G01F23/292—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet
    • G01F23/2921—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels
    • G01F23/2922—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels with light-conducting sensing elements, e.g. prisms
    • G01F23/2925—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels with light-conducting sensing elements, e.g. prisms using electrical detecting means
    • G01F23/2927—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels with light-conducting sensing elements, e.g. prisms using electrical detecting means for several discrete levels, e.g. with more than one light-conducting sensing element
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/80—Arrangements for signal processing
    • G01F23/802—Particular electronic circuits for digital processing equipment
    • G01F23/804—Particular electronic circuits for digital processing equipment containing circuits handling parameters other than liquid level
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/0321—Fuel tanks characterised by special sensors, the mounting thereof
    • B60K2015/03217—Fuel level sensors

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)

Description

本発明は、容器内の液体体積を管理する装置及び方法に関する。   The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for managing the volume of liquid in a container.

人間は、良好な健康状態であるためには、一日に十分な量の水を飲む必要がある。しかし多くの人々は、十分な量の水を飲んでいない。その理由は、十分な時間がない、乾きを感じない、飲むのを忘れてしまう等といったものである。多くの人々は軽度の脱水状態で生活していると報告されている。人々の中には、乾きを感じるまで飲まないという人もいる。しかし実際、乾きを感じるまで飲むのを待つというのは誤っている。というのは、血液中の水分レベルがあまりに低くなることで、水分は唾液腺から引き出されるからである。水分が唾液腺から引き出されことで、乾きが生じて、既にその時点ではその人の健康は悪影響を受ける。多くの慢性症状は実際脱水症状の兆候である。しかも年配者は乾きの感覚に依拠することができない。その理由は、乾きの感覚は年齢と共に衰えるからである。   Humans need to drink a sufficient amount of water a day to be in good health. But many people don't drink enough water. The reason is that there is not enough time, does not feel dry, forgets to drink. Many people are reported to live in mild dehydration. Some people do not drink until they feel dry. But in fact it is wrong to wait to drink until you feel dry. This is because the water level in the blood is so low that water is drawn from the salivary glands. As water is drawn from the salivary glands, dryness occurs and the health of the person is already adversely affected at that time. Many chronic symptoms are in fact signs of dehydration. Moreover, the elderly cannot rely on the sense of dryness. The reason is that the sense of dryness declines with age.

特許文献1は、人間によって取得された液体の量を測定する装置及び方法について開示している。当該装置は、液体容器の重さを測定する重さ測定装置、前記又は少なくとも一部が空になった容器の測定された重さを用いて、前記容器から消費された液体の量を決定し、かつ前記量を合計量に積算する評価装置、及び、前記の積算された量を出力する出力装置を有する。しかし特許文献1には、前記重さ測定装置がどのように動作するのかは開示されていない。Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus and method for measuring the amount of liquid obtained by a human. The apparatus determines the amount of liquid consumed from the container using a weight measuring device that measures the weight of the liquid container, or the measured weight of the container that is at least partially emptied. And an evaluation device that integrates the amount into the total amount, and an output device that outputs the integrated amount. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose how the weight measuring device operates.

欧州特許第1382945(A1)号明細書European Patent No. 1382945 (A1) Specification

前段落に記載した問題の観点から、本発明の一の実施例によると、容器内の液体体積を管理する−つまり所定期間中に液体体積の変化を検出し、かつ対応する情報を利用者に知らせる−解決法が供される。   In view of the problems described in the previous paragraph, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid volume in the container is managed--that is, the change of the liquid volume is detected during a predetermined period and the corresponding information is given to the user. Inform-A solution is provided.

本発明の一の実施例によると、容器内の液体体積を管理する装置が供される。当該装置は、検出器、第1決定装置、及び情報提供装置を有する。前記検出器は、第1所定期間中での前記容器内での液体体積変化を検出するように備えられる。前記第1決定装置は、前記変化が第1所定閾値未満であるか否かを決定するように備えられている。前記情報提供装置は、前記変化が前記第1所定閾値未満である場合に、第1の迅速な情報を提供するように備えられている。   According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for managing the volume of liquid in a container is provided. The device includes a detector, a first determination device, and an information providing device. The detector is provided to detect a change in liquid volume in the container during a first predetermined period. The first determining device is provided to determine whether the change is less than a first predetermined threshold. The information providing device is provided to provide first quick information when the change is less than the first predetermined threshold.

本発明の他の実施例によると、容器内の液体体積を管理する方法が供される。当該方法は、第1所定期間中での前記容器内での液体体積変化を検出する手順、前記変化が第1所定閾値未満であるか否かを決定する手順、及び、前記変化が前記第1所定閾値未満である場合に、第1の迅速な情報を情報提供装置する手順を有する。   According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for managing liquid volume in a container is provided. The method includes a procedure for detecting a liquid volume change in the container during a first predetermined period, a procedure for determining whether the change is less than a first predetermined threshold, and the change is the first When it is less than the predetermined threshold value, the first quick information is provided by the information providing apparatus.

本発明において供される装置及び方法によって、人間は、飲用可能な液体−たとえば水−を時間内に飲むように促され、かつ自分の飲料摂取を制御することを可能にする。このことは、その人の健康にとって有利である。   The devices and methods provided in the present invention allow humans to be encouraged to drink drinkable liquids, such as water, in time and to control their beverage intake. This is advantageous for the person's health.

本発明の上記及び他の目的、特徴、並びに利点は、添付図面を考慮しながら以降の詳細な説明を参照することで明らかとなる。   These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

本発明の一の実施例による、容器内の液体体積を管理する装置100を図示している。1 illustrates an apparatus 100 for managing liquid volume in a container according to one embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の一の実施例による、図1の検出器101のブロック図を図示している。FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the detector 101 of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の他の実施例による、図1の検出器101のブロック図を図示している。FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the detector 101 of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の他の実施例による、図1の検出器101のブロック図を図示している。FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the detector 101 of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 容器が傾いたときの液体圧力を測定する圧力センサを図示している。Fig. 3 illustrates a pressure sensor for measuring liquid pressure when the container is tilted. 本発明の一の実施例による、近赤外センサを有する検出器101を図示している。FIG. 6 illustrates a detector 101 having a near infrared sensor, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の他の実施例による、近赤外センサを有する検出器101を図示している。FIG. 6 illustrates a detector 101 having a near infrared sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の他の実施例による、近赤外センサを有する検出器101を図示している。FIG. 6 illustrates a detector 101 having a near infrared sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の他の実施例による、近赤外センサを有する検出器101を図示している。FIG. 6 illustrates a detector 101 having a near infrared sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の他の実施例による、容器内の液体体積を管理する装置100を図示している。FIG. 2 illustrates an apparatus 100 for managing liquid volume in a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の他の実施例による、容器内の液体体積を管理する方法のフローチャートを表している。6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for managing a liquid volume in a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の他の実施例による、容器内の液体体積を管理する方法のフローチャートを表している。6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for managing a liquid volume in a container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

全図を通じて、同一又は同様の参照番号は、同一又は同様の特徴/装置（モジュール）を表すのに用いられている。   Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals are used to represent the same or similar features / devices (modules).

図1は、本発明の一の実施例による、容器内の液体体積を管理する装置100を図示している。図1に図示されているように、装置100は、検出器101、第1決定装置102、及び情報提供装置103を有する。   FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus 100 for managing the volume of liquid in a container according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 includes a detector 101, a first determination apparatus 102, and an information providing apparatus 103.

容器が様々な形状をとりうることは、当業者に理解されている。たとえば容器はカップで、かつ、装置100は、そのカップの底部に固定されるか、又は、そのカップが設けられた場所にあるクッション内に組み入れられても良い。検出器101が容器の特定の位置に配置される一方で、第1決定装置102と情報提供装置103はその容器内のどこかに配置されても良いことに留意して欲しい。   It is understood by those skilled in the art that the container can take a variety of shapes. For example, the container may be a cup and the device 100 may be secured to the bottom of the cup or incorporated into a cushion where the cup is provided. Note that while the detector 101 is located at a specific location in the container, the first determining device 102 and the information providing device 103 may be located anywhere within the container.

以降、装置100の動作プロセスについて詳細に説明する。   Hereinafter, the operation process of the apparatus 100 will be described in detail.

最初に、検出器101は、第1所定期間中に容器11内での液体体積の変化を検出する。続いて、第1決定装置102は、前記体積変化が第1所定閾値未満であるか否かを決定する。前記液体体積変化が前記第1所定閾値未満である場合、情報提供装置103は、第1の迅速な情報を提供する。   First, the detector 101 detects a change in the liquid volume in the container 11 during the first predetermined period. Subsequently, the first determination device 102 determines whether or not the volume change is less than a first predetermined threshold. When the liquid volume change is less than the first predetermined threshold, the information providing apparatus 103 provides first quick information.

第1の迅速な情報は様々な方法で伝送されて良い。たとえば第1の迅速な情報は、「液体体積変化が第1所定閾値未満です」といったもので良い。容器が水のカップであるとき、第1の迅速な情報は、そのカップの持ち主に、水を飲むように促して良い。   The first quick information may be transmitted in various ways. For example, the first quick information may be “liquid volume change is less than a first predetermined threshold”. When the container is a cup of water, the first quick information may prompt the owner of the cup to drink water.

情報提供装置103はまた、様々な方法で第1の迅速な情報を提供して良い。様々な方法とはたとえば、ブザーを用いたビープ音の生成、「液体体積変化が第1所定閾値未満です」という警告音の生成、拡声器による曲の演奏、又は、画面上での「液体体積変化が第1所定閾値未満です」という警告の表示である。   The information providing device 103 may also provide the first quick information in various ways. Various methods include, for example, generation of a beep sound using a buzzer, generation of a warning sound that “the volume change of the liquid is less than the first predetermined threshold”, performance of a song by a loudspeaker, or “liquid volume on the screen” The warning is “change is less than the first predetermined threshold”.

具体的には、検出器101は、様々な手段によって、第1所定期間中の容器内での液体体積変化を検出する。以降では、液体体積変化を検出する様々な手段について詳述する。   Specifically, the detector 101 detects a change in liquid volume in the container during the first predetermined period by various means. In the following, various means for detecting liquid volume changes will be described in detail.

本発明の一の実施例では、検出器101は、図2に図示されているように、重みセンサ10111及び第2決定装置10112を有する。重みセンサ10111は、容器内の液体の重さを測定する。重みセンサ10111によって測定された重さに従って、第2決定装置10112は、第1所定期間−たとえば30分間−での液体体積変化を決定する。重みセンサが、第1回目で、容器内の300gの液体を検出して、30分後の第2回目に300gの液体を検出する場合、第2決定装置10112は、30分間での液体体積変化が100gであると決定する。   In one embodiment of the present invention, the detector 101 includes a weight sensor 10111 and a second determination device 10112, as illustrated in FIG. The weight sensor 10111 measures the weight of the liquid in the container. According to the weight measured by the weight sensor 10111, the second determining device 10112 determines the change in the liquid volume during a first predetermined period, for example 30 minutes. When the weight sensor detects 300 g of liquid in the container at the first time and detects 300 g of liquid at the second time after 30 minutes, the second determination device 10112 changes the liquid volume in 30 minutes. Is determined to be 100 g.

他の実施例では、検出器101は、図3に図示されているように、圧力センサ10121及び第3決定装置10122を有する。圧力センサ10121は、容器内の液体によって発生する圧力を測定する。圧力センサ10121によって測定される圧力に従って、決定装置10122は、第1所定期間−たとえば30分間−での液体体積変化を決定する。圧力センサ10121が、第1回目で容器内の液体によって発生する圧力P1を検出し、30分後の第2回目で圧力P2を検出する場合、第3決定装置10122は、30分間での液体体積変化が(P1-P2)×S/gであると決定する。ここでSはカップの底面積（容器は、どの高さでも同一の断面積を有するものとする）で、gは重力加速度である。たとえカップが不規則な形状を有するとしても、所与のカップ及び所与の液体高さについて、対応する液体体積が決定されることに留意して欲しい。従って、第3決定装置10122は依然として、圧力センサ10121によって測定される液体圧力に対応する液体高さに従って、液体体積変化を決定することができる。 In another embodiment, the detector 101 includes a pressure sensor 10121 and a third determining device 10122, as illustrated in FIG. The pressure sensor 10121 measures the pressure generated by the liquid in the container. According to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 10121, the determination device 10122 determines the change in the liquid volume during a first predetermined period, for example 30 minutes. When the pressure sensor 10121 detects the pressure P 1 generated by the liquid in the container at the first time and detects the pressure P 2 at the second time after 30 minutes, the third determining device 10122 The liquid volume change is determined to be (P 1 -P 2 ) × S / g. Here, S is the bottom area of the cup (the container has the same cross-sectional area at any height), and g is the gravitational acceleration. Note that the corresponding liquid volume is determined for a given cup and a given liquid height, even if the cup has an irregular shape. Accordingly, the third determining device 10122 can still determine the liquid volume change according to the liquid height corresponding to the liquid pressure measured by the pressure sensor 10121.

一般に、液体によって発生する圧力は液体高さに関連づけられる。容器が傾いている場合、液体体積を正確に測定することができるように、容器の傾斜によって圧力センサ10121によって測定される圧力値を制御する必要がある。そのような場合、検出器101は、図4に図示されているように傾斜センサ10123をさらに有する。傾斜センサは、容器と、水平面又は垂直方向とがなす傾斜角を検出するように備えられる。よって圧力値は、測定された傾斜角に従って制御される。   In general, the pressure generated by a liquid is related to the liquid height. When the container is tilted, the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 10121 needs to be controlled by the tilt of the container so that the liquid volume can be measured accurately. In such a case, the detector 101 further comprises a tilt sensor 10123 as illustrated in FIG. The inclination sensor is provided to detect an inclination angle formed between the container and a horizontal plane or a vertical direction. Thus, the pressure value is controlled according to the measured tilt angle.

一般性を失わないように、容器は、図5に図示されたように、底面に圧力センサ10121が固定された円筒形カップ11であるとする。カップが水平面に対して傾斜角αで傾斜している場合、圧力センサ10121によって測定される圧力は、容器が傾いていないときの液体高さがhであるとすると、液体高さhd=(h×cosα)によって発生する。従って、実際の高さは、容器が傾斜していないとすると、h=hd/cosαである。よって、測定された傾斜角及びカップが傾いているときの液体によって発生する圧力によって、第3決定装置10122は、カップ11が傾斜していない場合でのカップ11での対応する液体高さを決定することができる。それにより、第1所定期間での液体体積変化を決定することができる。 In order not to lose generality, it is assumed that the container is a cylindrical cup 11 having a pressure sensor 10121 fixed to the bottom surface as shown in FIG. When the cup is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane at an inclination angle α, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 10121 is such that the liquid height h d = ( h × cosα). Therefore, the actual height is h = h d / cos α, assuming that the container is not tilted. Thus, according to the measured tilt angle and the pressure generated by the liquid when the cup is tilted, the third determining device 10122 determines the corresponding liquid height at the cup 11 when the cup 11 is not tilted. can do. Thereby, the change in the liquid volume in the first predetermined period can be determined.

前段落において、底部の中心に圧力センサ10121が固定された円筒形カップ形状の容器が、その容器が傾斜しているときの液体体積変化をどのように決定するかの例として取り上げられているが、たとえその容器が不規則な形状であっても、又は、圧力センサ10121がその容器底部のどこに固定されているとしても、ある位置で固定された圧力センサ10121に対してある角度で傾斜する、ある形状の容器については、第3決定装置10122は、圧力センサ10121によって測定される圧力に従って、液体の高さ又は重さを決定することができることは当業者に理解されていることに留意して欲しい。よって第1所定期間中での液体体積の変化を決定することができる。   In the previous paragraph, a cylindrical cup-shaped container with a pressure sensor 10121 fixed at the center of the bottom is taken as an example of how to determine the liquid volume change when the container is tilted. Even if the container is irregularly shaped or tilted at an angle with respect to the pressure sensor 10121 fixed at a position, no matter where the pressure sensor 10121 is fixed at the bottom of the container, Note that for certain shaped containers, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the third determining device 10122 can determine the height or weight of the liquid according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 10121. I want. Therefore, the change in the liquid volume during the first predetermined period can be determined.

近赤外光−たとえばLEDによって生成される中心波長940nmのスペクトル線−については、その近赤外光が、純水からなる媒質内部で5cmの光路を進行するとき、少なくとも40%のエネルギーが吸収される。近赤外光が、紅茶、ジュース、又はコーヒーからなる媒質内部で5cmの光路を進行するとき、より多くのエネルギーが吸収される。よって液体−特に飲用可能な液体−によって吸収される近赤外光の係る特徴は、容器内の液体の高さを測定するのに利用することができる。これについては以降で詳述する。   For near-infrared light—for example, a spectral line with a central wavelength of 940 nm generated by an LED—at least 40% of the energy is absorbed when the near-infrared light travels a 5 cm optical path inside a pure water medium. Is done. More energy is absorbed when near-infrared light travels a 5 cm path inside a medium consisting of tea, juice or coffee. Thus, the feature of near-infrared light absorbed by a liquid—especially a drinkable liquid—can be used to measure the height of the liquid in the container. This will be described in detail later.

本発明の一の実施例によると、検出器101は、図6に図示されているように、近赤外光源10131、複数の近赤外センサ10132、及び第4決定装置10133を有する。図中、12は液体の高さを示す。近赤外光源10131は近赤外光を放出する。容器11内に液体が存在しないとき、その放出される近赤外光は、複数のセンサ10132の各々によって検出できる。複数の近赤外センサ10132は、近赤外光源10131によって放出される近赤外光の強度を検出するため、容器11内の各異なる高さに配置されている。第4決定装置10133は、複数の近赤外センサ10132によって検出される近赤外光強度に従って、容器11内での液体の高さを決定することで、前記第1所定期間での液体体積の変化を決定する。   According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detector 101 includes a near-infrared light source 10131, a plurality of near-infrared sensors 10132, and a fourth determination device 10133, as shown in FIG. In the figure, 12 indicates the height of the liquid. The near infrared light source 10131 emits near infrared light. When no liquid is present in the container 11, the emitted near-infrared light can be detected by each of the plurality of sensors 10132. The plurality of near-infrared sensors 10132 are disposed at different heights in the container 11 in order to detect the intensity of near-infrared light emitted by the near-infrared light source 10131. The fourth determining device 10133 determines the liquid volume in the first predetermined period by determining the height of the liquid in the container 11 according to the near-infrared light intensity detected by the plurality of near-infrared sensors 10132. Determine change.

近赤外センサ10132が液体高さより下に配置されている場合、そのセンサが検出する光強度はかなり弱い。しかし近赤外センサが液体高さより上に配置されている場合には、そのセンサが検出する光強度は相対的に強くなる。よって第4決定装置10133は、近赤外センサによって検出される光強度に従って、近赤外センサの相対位置と液体レベルを決定することができる。換言すると、第4決定装置10133は、第2所定閾値よりも大きな光強度を検出するセンサが、液体レベルよりも高い位置に配置され、かつ、第3所定閾値よりも小さな光強度を検出するセンサが、液体レベルよりも低い位置に配置されていることを決定することができる。   When the near-infrared sensor 10132 is disposed below the liquid height, the light intensity detected by the sensor is considerably weak. However, when the near-infrared sensor is disposed above the liquid height, the light intensity detected by the sensor becomes relatively strong. Therefore, the fourth determining device 10133 can determine the relative position of the near infrared sensor and the liquid level according to the light intensity detected by the near infrared sensor. In other words, the fourth determination device 10133 is a sensor in which a sensor that detects light intensity greater than the second predetermined threshold is disposed at a position higher than the liquid level and detects light intensity smaller than the third predetermined threshold. Can be determined to be located below the liquid level.

複数の近赤外センサ10132のうちのある一部によって検出される光強度が第2所定閾値よりも大きい一方で、複数の近赤外センサ10132のうちの別な一部によって検出される光強度が第3所定閾値よりも小さい場合、第4決定装置10133は、2つの隣接する近赤外センサ間の高さを、液体の高さとして決定する。ここで前記2つの隣接する近赤外センサのうちの一は前記第2所定閾値よりも高い光強度を検出し、かつ、前記2つの隣接する近赤外センサのうちの他は前記第3所定閾値よりも低い光強度を検出する。あるいはその代わりに、第4決定装置10133は、前記2つの隣接する近赤外センサ間の任意の高さを液体高さとして決定することができる。あるいはその代わりに、第4決定装置10133は、前記2つの隣接する近赤外センサ間の中間高さを液体高さとして決定することができる。   Light intensity detected by another part of the plurality of near infrared sensors 10132 while the light intensity detected by one part of the plurality of near infrared sensors 10132 is greater than the second predetermined threshold Is smaller than the third predetermined threshold, the fourth determination device 10133 determines the height between two adjacent near-infrared sensors as the height of the liquid. Here, one of the two adjacent near infrared sensors detects a light intensity higher than the second predetermined threshold, and the other of the two adjacent near infrared sensors is the third predetermined sensor. A light intensity lower than the threshold is detected. Alternatively, the fourth determination device 10133 can determine an arbitrary height between the two adjacent near-infrared sensors as the liquid height. Alternatively, the fourth determining device 10133 can determine the intermediate height between the two adjacent near-infrared sensors as the liquid height.

複数の近赤外センサ10132の全てによって検出される光強度が第2所定値よりも高い場合、最低位置の近赤外センサ10132の高さ又は最低位置の近赤外センサ10132より下の任意の高さが、液体高さとして決定されて良い。   If the light intensity detected by all of the plurality of near infrared sensors 10132 is higher than the second predetermined value, the height of the lowest infrared sensor 10132 or any lower than the lowest infrared sensor 10132 The height may be determined as the liquid height.

複数の近赤外センサ10132の全てによって検出される光強度が第3所定値よりも低い場合、最高位置の近赤外センサ10132の高さ又は最高位置の近赤外センサ10132より上の任意の高さが、液体高さとして決定されて良い。   If the light intensity detected by all of the plurality of near infrared sensors 10132 is lower than the third predetermined value, the height of the highest infrared sensor 10132 or any higher than the highest infrared sensor 10132 The height may be determined as the liquid height.

上述の場合、検出精度は近赤外センサの数に関連することに留意すべきである。近赤外センサの数が多ければ多いほど、検出精度は上がる。複数の近赤外センサ10132は、均一又は不均一な高さ間隔で、容器11の側壁に配置されて良い。通常、複数の近赤外センサ10132及び近赤外光源10131は、図5に図示されているように、容器11の側壁でそれぞれ対向するように配置される。本発明の一の実施例によると、複数の近赤外センサ10132及び近赤外光源10131は、容器11の同一の側壁に配置される。そして図7に図示されているように、複数の近赤外センサ10132による近赤外光の検出を可能にするように、近赤外光源10131によって放出される光を反射するため、対向する側壁に反射体10134が供される。本実施例の利点は、近赤外光が通過する光路が増大する−つまりそれぞれの近赤外センサによって検出される光強度間のコントラストが増大する−ことである。このことは、第4決定装置10133が液体高さを決定する上で有利である。   It should be noted that in the above case, the detection accuracy is related to the number of near infrared sensors. The greater the number of near infrared sensors, the higher the detection accuracy. The plurality of near-infrared sensors 10132 may be arranged on the side wall of the container 11 at uniform or non-uniform height intervals. Usually, the plurality of near-infrared sensors 10132 and the near-infrared light source 10131 are arranged to face each other on the side wall of the container 11 as shown in FIG. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of near infrared sensors 10132 and the near infrared light source 10131 are disposed on the same side wall of the container 11. And as shown in FIG. 7, the opposing sidewalls reflect the light emitted by the near-infrared light source 10131 so that the near-infrared light can be detected by a plurality of near-infrared sensors 10132 A reflector 10134 is provided. The advantage of this embodiment is that the optical path through which near-infrared light passes—that is, the contrast between the light intensities detected by the respective near-infrared sensors is increased—. This is advantageous for the fourth determining device 10133 to determine the liquid height.

図6に図示されているように、近赤外光源10131から離れた近赤外センサによって検出される光強度は、近赤外光源10131に近い近赤外センサによって検出される光強度よりも弱い。加えて、1つの光源の光放出角が制限されているため、近赤外センサ10132のうちの一部が、近赤外光源によって生成される光を検出できない場合が存在する。従って、近赤外センサ10132の感度を増大させるため、図6の近赤外光源10131はまた、複数の独立した発光素子を採用しても良い。複数の独立した発光素子とはたとえば、複数の近赤外LEDである。図8に図示されているように、各近赤外LEDは、一の近赤外センサ10132に対応し、かつ対応するセンサと同一の高さで配置される。容器11内に液体が存在しないとき、各発光素子については、その発光素子が放出する光のほとんどが、対応する近赤外センサ10132によって検出されうる。   As shown in FIG. 6, the light intensity detected by the near infrared sensor remote from the near infrared light source 10131 is weaker than the light intensity detected by the near infrared sensor close to the near infrared light source 10131. . In addition, since the light emission angle of one light source is limited, there is a case where some of the near infrared sensors 10132 cannot detect light generated by the near infrared light source. Therefore, in order to increase the sensitivity of the near-infrared sensor 10132, the near-infrared light source 10131 of FIG. 6 may also employ a plurality of independent light emitting elements. The plurality of independent light emitting elements are, for example, a plurality of near infrared LEDs. As shown in FIG. 8, each near-infrared LED corresponds to one near-infrared sensor 10132 and is arranged at the same height as the corresponding sensor. When no liquid is present in the container 11, for each light emitting element, most of the light emitted by that light emitting element can be detected by the corresponding near infrared sensor 10132.

任意で図8に図示された検出器101については、複数の独立した光源素子は、図9に図示されているように、導光手段10135と組み合わせられた単一光源10131によって置き換えられて良い。導光手段10135は、近赤外光源10131によって放出される近赤外光を取り出す。それにより複数の近赤外センサ10132は、近赤外光源10131によって放出される近赤外光を検出することができる。導光手段10135は導光板又は光ファイバであって良い。導光板又は光ファイバは、近赤外光源10131によって放出される近赤外光を受光し、その後、表面から受光した光を取り出して、複数の近赤外センサ10132へ入射させる。光路は図9で概略的に図示されている。   Optionally, for the detector 101 illustrated in FIG. 8, a plurality of independent light source elements may be replaced by a single light source 10131 combined with a light guide 10135, as illustrated in FIG. The light guide unit 10135 extracts near infrared light emitted by the near infrared light source 10131. Accordingly, the plurality of near-infrared sensors 10132 can detect the near-infrared light emitted by the near-infrared light source 10131. The light guide means 10135 may be a light guide plate or an optical fiber. The light guide plate or the optical fiber receives near-infrared light emitted by the near-infrared light source 10131, and then picks up the light received from the surface and makes it incident on a plurality of near-infrared sensors 10132. The optical path is schematically illustrated in FIG.

任意で、図1の装置100は、図10に図示されているように加速度計104をさらに有して良い。加速度計104は容器11の加速度を検出する。加速度計104が、第2所定期間に容器11の加速度を検出しない場合、情報提供装置103が第2の迅速な情報を提供する。前記第2の迅速な情報は、たとえば「第2所定期間では加速度は検出されませんでした」等の情報であって良い。容器11が飲料用カップである場合、第2の迅速な情報は、ある人がある期間水を飲んでいないという事実をその人に伝えるため、たとえば「あなたはある期間水を飲んでいませんよ」という情報であって良い。上述したように、情報提供装置103は、様々な手段によって第2の迅速な情報を提供して良い。   Optionally, the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 may further include an accelerometer 104 as illustrated in FIG. The accelerometer 104 detects the acceleration of the container 11. When the accelerometer 104 does not detect the acceleration of the container 11 during the second predetermined period, the information providing device 103 provides the second quick information. The second quick information may be information such as “no acceleration was detected in the second predetermined period”, for example. If container 11 is a drinking cup, the second quick info tells the person that he has not been drinking water for a period of time, for example, “You have not been drinking water for a period of time. May be the information. As described above, the information providing apparatus 103 may provide the second quick information by various means.

通常、重みセンサ10111又は近赤外センサ10131を利用する上述の検出器101によって検出される、容器11内での液体体積変化の検出結果は、その容器11が水平に設けられている−つまり垂直に配向する−場合には、より厳密になりうる。より厳密な測定結果を得るため、任意で加速度計104が、容器11と水平面とがなす第1傾斜角、又は容器11と垂直方向とがなす第2傾斜角を検出するのにも用いられて良い。前記第1傾斜角が第4所定閾値よりも大きい場合、又は前記第2傾斜角が第5所定閾値よりも大きい場合にのみ、検出器101は、液体の体積変化を検出する。換言すると、容器11が、前記第1傾斜角が約90°で前記第2傾斜角が約0°で（擬）水平状態に設けられている−つまり（擬）垂直に配向する−場合にのみ、重みセンサ10111又は近赤外センサ10131は検出作業を行う。前記第4所定閾値及び第5所定閾値は、現実の測定精度の必要性に従って調節可能である。   Usually, the detection result of the liquid volume change in the container 11 detected by the above-described detector 101 using the weight sensor 10111 or the near-infrared sensor 10131 is that the container 11 is provided horizontally-that is, vertical. Can be more stringent. In order to obtain more precise measurement results, the accelerometer 104 is optionally used to detect the first tilt angle formed by the container 11 and the horizontal plane, or the second tilt angle formed by the container 11 and the vertical direction. good. Only when the first tilt angle is larger than a fourth predetermined threshold value or when the second tilt angle is larger than a fifth predetermined threshold value, the detector 101 detects a change in volume of the liquid. In other words, only when the container 11 is provided in a (pseudo) horizontal state with the first tilt angle of about 90 ° and the second tilt angle of about 0 °, ie, (pseudo) vertically oriented. The weight sensor 10111 or the near infrared sensor 10131 performs detection work. The fourth predetermined threshold and the fifth predetermined threshold can be adjusted according to the need for actual measurement accuracy.

特に、加速度計104が傾斜角を測定する方法は当技術分野において成熟した技術である。2005年にフリースケール社が公表したチップAN3107の応用についての書類Rev0.05には、次式で表される加速度計を用いた傾斜角の測定方法が開示されている。   In particular, the method by which the accelerometer 104 measures the tilt angle is a mature technique in the art. Document Rev0.05 on the application of chip AN3107 published by Freescale in 2005 discloses a method for measuring the tilt angle using an accelerometer represented by the following equation.

Figure 0005718914
ここで、θは加速度計と水平面とのなす角で、VOUTは加速度計の出力で、VOFFSETは、加速度計の加速度が0gのときのバイアス電圧で、ΔV/Δgは感度で、gは重力加速度である。より詳細な情報はAN3107の応用についての書類で見つけることができるので、ここでは繰り返さない。
Figure 0005718914
 Where θ is the angle between the accelerometer and the horizontal plane, V OUT is the output of the accelerometer, V OFFSET is the bias voltage when the accelerometer acceleration is 0 g, ΔV / Δg is the sensitivity, and g is Gravity acceleration. More detailed information can be found in the AN3107 application document and will not be repeated here.

本発明の一の実施例によると、図11は、容器内の液体体積を管理する方法のフローチャートを表している。   According to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a method for managing the liquid volume in a container.

最初に、手順S1101では、第1所定期間での液体体積変化が検出される。液体体積変化は、第1所定期間での、液体の重さの変化、液体高さの変化、又は液体によって発生する圧力の変化を検出することによって決定されて良い。一の実施例によると、上述の検出器101は手順S1101を実行して良い。   First, in step S1101, a change in liquid volume in the first predetermined period is detected. The liquid volume change may be determined by detecting a change in liquid weight, a change in liquid height, or a change in pressure generated by the liquid during the first predetermined period. According to one embodiment, the above-described detector 101 may execute step S1101.

次に、手順S1102では、液体体積変化が第1所定閾値未満であるか否かが決定される。一の実施例によると、上述の第1決定装置102は手順S1102を実行して良い。   Next, in step S1102, it is determined whether or not the liquid volume change is less than a first predetermined threshold. According to one embodiment, the first determining device 102 described above may execute step S1102.

最後に、手順S1103では、液体体積変化が前記第1所定閾値未満である場合に、第1迅速な情報が提供される。一の実施例によると、上述の情報提供装置103は手順S1103を実行して良い。   Finally, in step S1103, first rapid information is provided when the liquid volume change is less than the first predetermined threshold. According to one embodiment, the information providing apparatus 103 described above may execute step S1103.

任意で、図11に図示された方法は、図12に図示された手順をさらに有して良い。   Optionally, the method illustrated in FIG. 11 may further comprise the procedure illustrated in FIG.

最初に、手順S1201では、前記容器の加速度が検出される。   First, in step S1201, the acceleration of the container is detected.

第2所定期間で前記容器の加速度が検出されない場合、手順S1202では、第2迅速な情報が提供される。   If the acceleration of the container is not detected in the second predetermined period, second quick information is provided in step S1202.

通常、手順S1101において容器内での液体体積変化を決定するためには、前記容器が水平に設けられている場合にのみ、厳密な検出結果が、圧力センサ及び赤外センサの手段によって得ることができる。より厳密な結果を得るため、前記容器と水平面とがなす第1傾斜角又は前記容器と垂直方向とがなす第2傾斜角を測定するのは任意である。そして前記第1傾斜角が第4所定閾値よりも大きい場合、又は前記第2傾斜角が第5所定閾値よりも大きい場合にのみ、前記液体体積変化は検出される。換言すると、前記容器が、前記第1傾斜角が約90°で前記第2傾斜角が約0°で（擬）水平状態に設けられている場合にのみ、前記液体体積変化は検出される。前記第4所定閾値及び第5所定閾値は、現実の測定精度の必要性に従って調節可能である。   Usually, in order to determine the liquid volume change in the container in step S1101, only when the container is provided horizontally, a precise detection result can be obtained by means of a pressure sensor and an infrared sensor. it can. In order to obtain a more precise result, it is optional to measure the first inclination angle formed by the container and the horizontal plane or the second inclination angle formed by the container and the vertical direction. The liquid volume change is detected only when the first inclination angle is larger than a fourth predetermined threshold value or when the second inclination angle is larger than a fifth predetermined threshold value. In other words, the liquid volume change is detected only when the container is provided in a (pseudo) horizontal state with the first tilt angle of about 90 ° and the second tilt angle of about 0 °. The fourth predetermined threshold and the fifth predetermined threshold can be adjusted according to the need for actual measurement accuracy.

本発明の様々な実施例が、本明細書において詳細に説明された。前記第1乃至第5の所定閾値は、実際の条件及び使用者が設定可能な条件に従って選ばれて良い。たとえば装置100は、使用者によって入力される各対応する所定閾値を受け取る相互作用ユニットをさらに有して良い。同様に、前記第1及び第2の所定期間もまた、検出器101により、又は前記相互作用ユニットを介して使用者により設定されても良い。   Various embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein. The first to fifth predetermined threshold values may be selected according to actual conditions and conditions that can be set by the user. For example, the apparatus 100 may further comprise an interaction unit that receives each corresponding predetermined threshold input by the user. Similarly, the first and second predetermined periods may also be set by the detector 101 or by the user via the interaction unit.

上述の実施例は、単独で実行されて良い。あるいはその代わりに、上述の実施例のうちの一部は、互いに組み合わせて実行されても良い。たとえば検出器101が、図2乃至図4又は図6乃至図9のいずれかに図示されたように構築される条件下では、装置100は加速度計104をさらに有して良い。検出器101が、図4に図示されているように、圧力センサ10121、第3決定装置10122、及び傾斜センサ10123を有する条件下では、傾斜センサ10123の機能はまた、上述したように加速度計104によって実行されても良い。換言すると、加速度計104及び傾斜センサ10123は同一のハードウエアを共有して良い。さらに検出器101は、図6乃至図9に図示された構成をとるときには、反射体10134及び導光装置10135をさらに有して良い。   The embodiments described above may be performed alone. Alternatively, some of the above-described embodiments may be executed in combination with each other. For example, device 100 may further include an accelerometer 104 under conditions where detector 101 is constructed as illustrated in any of FIGS. 2-4 or 6-9. Under the condition that the detector 101 has a pressure sensor 10121, a third determining device 10122, and a tilt sensor 10123, as shown in FIG. 4, the function of the tilt sensor 10123 is also the accelerometer 104 as described above. May be executed by. In other words, the accelerometer 104 and the tilt sensor 10123 may share the same hardware. Furthermore, when the detector 101 has the configuration shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the detector 101 may further include a reflector 10134 and a light guide device 10135.

Claims (10)

容器内の液体体積を管理する装置であって：
第1所定期間中での前記容器内での液体体積変化を検出するように備えられ、かつ
近赤外光を放出するように備えられた近赤外光源；
前記近赤外光源によって放出される近赤外光の強度を検出するように備えられ、前記容器内の各異なる高さに配置されている複数の近赤外センサ；及び
前記複数の近赤外センサによって検出される近赤外光強度に従って、前記容器内での液体の高さを決定することで、前記第1所定期間での前記液体体積の変化を決定するように備えられた第4決定装置；
を有する、検出器；
前記変化が第1所定閾値未満であるか否かを決定するように備えられた第1決定装置；並びに、
前記変化が前記第1所定閾値未満である場合に、第1の迅速な情報を提供するように備えられた情報提供装置；
を有し、
前記検出器が：
前記容器内の液体によって発生する圧力を測定するように備えられた圧力センサ；及び
前記圧力センサによって測定される圧力に従って、前記第1所定期間での前記液体体積変化を決定するように備えられた第3決定装置；
を有し、
前記検出器が、前記容器の傾斜角を測定するように備えられた傾斜センサをさらに有し、
前記第3決定装置はさらに、前記傾斜センサによって測定された傾斜角及び前記圧力センサによって測定された圧力に従って、前記第1所定期間での前記液体体積変化を決定するように備えられた、
装置。 A device for managing the volume of liquid in a container comprising:
A near-infrared light source provided to detect a change in volume of the liquid in the container during a first predetermined period and provided to emit near-infrared light;
A plurality of near-infrared sensors provided to detect the intensity of near-infrared light emitted by the near-infrared light source and disposed at different heights in the container; A fourth determination arranged to determine a change in the liquid volume in the first predetermined period by determining a height of the liquid in the container according to near-infrared light intensity detected by a sensor. apparatus;
Having a detector;
A first determining device arranged to determine whether the change is less than a first predetermined threshold; and
An information providing device provided to provide first quick information when the change is less than the first predetermined threshold;
Have
The detector is:
A pressure sensor arranged to measure the pressure generated by the liquid in the container; and
A third determining device arranged to determine the liquid volume change in the first predetermined period according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor;
Have
The detector further comprises a tilt sensor arranged to measure the tilt angle of the container;
The third determining device is further configured to determine the liquid volume change in the first predetermined period according to an inclination angle measured by the inclination sensor and a pressure measured by the pressure sensor;
apparatus. 前記検出器が：
前記容器内での液体の重さを測定するように備えられた重みセンサ；及び
前記重みセンサによって測定された重さに従って、前記第1所定期間での前記液体体積の変化を決定する第2決定装置；
を有する、請求項1に記載の装置。 The detector is:
A weight sensor arranged to measure the weight of the liquid in the container; and a second decision to determine a change in the liquid volume over the first predetermined period according to the weight measured by the weight sensor. apparatus;
The device of claim 1, comprising: 前記近赤外光源及び前記複数の近赤外センサは、前記容器の第1側壁に配置され、
前記検出器はさらに、前記第1側壁に対向する側壁に配置され、かつ、前記複数の近赤外センサが前記近赤外光源によって放出される近赤外光を検出できるように、前記近赤外光源によって放出される光を反射するように備えられた反射体を有する、
請求項1に記載の装置。 The near-infrared light source and the plurality of near-infrared sensors are disposed on a first side wall of the container,
The detector is further disposed on a side wall facing the first side wall, and the plurality of near-infrared sensors can detect near-infrared light emitted by the near-infrared light source. having a reflector provided to reflect light emitted by the outer light source,
The apparatus according to claim 1. 前記近赤外光源が複数の独立した発光素子を有し、
前記複数の独立した発光素子の各々は、前記複数の近赤外センサの各々に対応し、かつ対応する前記近赤外センサと同一の高さで配置される、
請求項1に記載の装置。 The near infrared light source has a plurality of independent light emitting elements;
Each of the plurality of independent light-emitting elements corresponds to each of the plurality of near-infrared sensors and is disposed at the same height as the corresponding near-infrared sensor.
The apparatus according to claim 1. 前記検出器が、前記近赤外光源によって放出される近赤外光を取り出すように備えられた導光手段をさらに有し、
前記導光手段が前記近赤外光源によって放出される近赤外光を取り出すように備えられることにより、前記複数の近赤外センサは、前記近赤外光源によって放出される近赤外光を検出することができる、
請求項1に記載の装置。 The detector further comprises light guiding means arranged to extract near infrared light emitted by the near infrared light source;
The light guiding means is provided to extract near infrared light emitted by the near infrared light source, so that the plurality of near infrared sensors can detect near infrared light emitted by the near infrared light source. Can be detected,
The apparatus according to claim 1. 前記容器の加速度を検出するように備えられた加速度計をさらに有する請求項1に記載の装置であって、
前記情報提供装置は、第2所定期間に前記容器の加速度が前記加速度計によって検出されない場合に、第2の迅速な情報を提供するように備えられた、
装置。 The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an accelerometer arranged to detect acceleration of the container.
The information providing device is provided to provide second quick information when the acceleration of the container is not detected by the accelerometer in a second predetermined period;
apparatus. 前記加速度計がさらに、前記容器と前記水平面とがなす第1傾斜角、又は前記容器と前記垂直方向とがなす第2傾斜角を検出するように備えられ、かつ、
前記検出器はさらに、前記第1傾斜角が第4所定閾値よりも大きい場合、又は前記第2傾斜角が第5所定閾値よりも大きい場合に、前記液体体積の変化を検出するように備えられる、
請求項6に記載の装置。 The accelerometer is further provided to detect a first tilt angle formed by the container and the horizontal plane, or a second tilt angle formed by the container and the vertical direction; and
The detector is further configured to detect a change in the liquid volume when the first tilt angle is greater than a fourth predetermined threshold or when the second tilt angle is greater than a fifth predetermined threshold. ,
The apparatus according to claim 6 . 請求項1乃至7のうちいずれか1項に記載の装置を有するカップ。 Cup having a device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7. 容器内の液体体積を管理する方法であって：
前記容器の加速度を検出する手順；及び、
第1所定期間で前記容器の加速度が検出されない場合、第1迅速な情報を提供する手順；
第2所定期間中での前記容器内での液体体積変化を検出する手順であって、
近赤外光を放出する手順；
前記の放出された近赤外光の強度を検出する手順；及び、
前記の検出された近赤外光の強度に従って、前記液体の高さを決定することで、前記第2所定期間での前記液体体積の変化を決定する手順；
を有する、手順；
前記変化が第1所定閾値未満であるか否かを決定する手順；並びに、
前記変化が前記第1所定閾値未満である場合に、第2迅速な情報を情報提供装置する手順；
を有する方法。 A method for managing the volume of liquid in a container comprising:
Detecting the acceleration of the container; and
A procedure for providing first quick information when acceleration of the container is not detected in a first predetermined period;
A procedure for detecting a change in liquid volume in the container during a second predetermined period,
Procedure for emitting near infrared light;
Detecting the intensity of the emitted near-infrared light; and
Determining a change in the liquid volume in the second predetermined period by determining a height of the liquid according to the intensity of the detected near-infrared light;
Having a procedure;
Determining whether the change is less than a first predetermined threshold; and
A procedure for providing an information providing device for second quick information when the change is less than the first predetermined threshold;
Having a method. 前記の検出する手順が、前記第2所定期間での、前記液体の重さの変化、前記液体の圧力の変化、又は前記液体高さの変化を検出することによって、前記液体体積の変化を決定する手順を有する、請求項9に記載の方法。 The detecting procedure determines a change in the liquid volume by detecting a change in the weight of the liquid, a change in the pressure of the liquid, or a change in the liquid height during the second predetermined period. The method according to claim 9 , further comprising:
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